Ghana’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be announced on June 1, according to Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, following the Black Stars’ 2–0 defeat to Mexico in an international friendly at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc.
The Ghana Football Association president shared the update in a Facebook post after the match, played on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 8 p.m. local time in Mexico (2 a.m. GMT/Ghana time on Saturday, May 23).
“Objective accomplished,” Okraku wrote. “The World Cup squad announcement is scheduled for June 1.”
Mexico Secure Victory
Goals from Brian Gutiérrez and Guillermo Martínez Ayala sealed the win for El Tri against a youthful Ghana team, which featured a squad made largely up of debutants and U-23 players.
The fixture was also used by Ghana’s technical staff as an assessment opportunity ahead of the World Cup selection.
“This presents a considerable chance for our U-23 squad to garner essential experience,” Okraku added. “It also offers a substantial opportunity for us to evaluate players with whom we may be less acquainted.”
Debuts for Several Black Stars
The match saw Ghana hand senior national team debuts to multiple players. Accra Hearts of Oak SC goalkeeper Solomon Agbesi made his first appearance after replacing Benjamin Asare in the second half. Prince Amoako, Rak Sakyi Addo, Medeama midfielder Salim Adams, Joseph Opoku, and Daniel Oduro also earned their first caps for the Black Stars.
Queiroz Absent, Offei in Charge
New Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz was absent due to personal reasons, with assistant coach Desmond Offei leading the team from the touchline.
Ghana had earlier recorded defeats in preparatory friendlies against Austria and Germany under former coach Otto Addo before taking on Mexico.
Next Stop: Wales Friendly
The Black Stars will now turn their focus to a final preparatory match against Wales ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
